Mobile broadband gives you internet access, without wires, over the air. You do not need a telephone line or a subscription to an ISP (Tiscali/AOL etc), or to be in a Wi-Fi area to get online but instead by using a USB 'Dongle' Modem with your Laptop or PC/Mac you can have access to fast broadband, whether you are on the move or at home.

No more wires, no more hassles, no more waiting for a line to be installed. Just plug a USB Modem dongle into your computer and you're on the web. You can even swap your modem dongle between different computers. With Orange, O2, Vodafone, T-Mobile or 3 Mobile there is no need for a fixed line, it's your broadband - so just take it with you! Mobile broadband uses the mobile company's network so you can use your modem to get online wherever you are in the UK. These services are available on a 'Pay As You Go' no contract basis as well as 12, 18 and 24 month contract basis. Some plans come with a free modem that is even despatched with free next day delivery, so you can be online in your new flat tomorrow! The Carphone Warehouse also offer a comparison of broadband dongle deals, however unlike UK Broadband Guide they don't compare the whole of the market with an impartial review. So click here for the full list of UK mobile broadband deals.

I already have a landline, but don't want to sign a contract
And if you don't want to sign a 12 month contract with a regular broadband provider then both Plusnet and AOL offer a service on just one month's notice.

What is broadband?

Broadband is always-on, high speed Internet access. It enables you to use the phone and the Internet at the same time - without the need for an additional phone line. Broadband is a faster way of connecting your computer to the Internet – 1Mbps is about 20 times the speed of normal 'dial-up' internet. It allows you to view web pages more quickly, download large amounts of information more easily (e.g. film trailers, music) and use services that require streaming content (e.g. Internet radio). Broadband services are 'always-on', which means there's no need to dial-up to the Internet or log off once you've finished surfing. So your e-mails appear immediately without having to log on first. Many broadband services are "unlimited" so you pay a flat fee each month with no additional charges for the amount of time you spend online.

How do I get broadband?

You need a personal computer or Apple Mac
A personal computer (PC) or Mac should give access to the whole of the Internet and the majority of web sites are designed for access using PCs or Macs.

You need a broadband modem
A modem is a device that enables computers to transmit data across the Internet. Most broadband service providers include a broadband modem or "router" in their initial set-up package.

You need to be connected to the Internet e.g. by telephone or cable
Virtually every residence in the UK now has access to an internet enabled line via BT or Virgin Media (cable). Even if you don't but have mobile phone access where you are you can access the internet via a USB Dongle Modem with 3 Mobile.

You need an Internet service provider (ISP)
An ISP is a company that supplies you with access to the Internet. ISPs offer a variety of broadband packages that can include services like e-mail and web space, as well as high-speed Internet access. If you are in an ADSL-enabled exchange area (see below) and have a BT phone line, you will have a wide choice of ISPs and may be able to use a cable company too. However if you choose to connect via cable, your choice of ISP may be limited. Compare the offerings of broadband ISPs using our at-a-glance comparison table. Mobile phone companies such as 3 Mobile are another option as they enable you to connect to the internet directly via USB Dongle Modems, therefore there's no wires or landline required.

Can I get broadband where I live?

• ADSL ('Broadband')